$45,000 in stolen boots recovered from Bloomington heist

Investigators have recovered more than $45,000 worth of leather goods stolen in Bloomington and are searching for the thieves.

"Right now we're following up on leads to try to identify and apprehend the suspects," said sheriff's Detective Darren Gilmore, who is based at the Fontana station.

About 500 pairs of boots, belts and other leather goods were recovered Thursday in a Huntington Park garment district, Gilmore said.

A couple who sold the leather goods at a local swap meet called authorities on Feb. 1 to report someone had stolen two box trucks full of their merchandise from a Bloomington storage facility, according to reports.

Authorities learned the items were in Huntington Park, Gilmore said.

Investigators went to the 7100 block of Pacific Boulevard in Huntington Park and located most of the couple's stolen items, Gilmore said.

It appeared, he said, that someone stole the merchandise to be sold at another storefront.

"We do have some suspect leads that we're still working, and this is an active investigation," Gilmore said.

While Gilmore said he is unaware if the robbery may have been part of an organized ring, he advises vendors to be aware there may be those out there targeting small-business owners.

"People need to remain vigilant and take precautions when it comes to securing their property," Gilmore said.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Gilmore at 909-356-6767.